FEC Approves Carter Bridge Demolition and Reconstruction, Key Road Projects

Federal Executive Council Approves Major Infrastructure Projects

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has taken a significant step in addressing critical infrastructure challenges across Nigeria. Among the key decisions made was the approval of the demolition and reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos. This decision came after a thorough technical assessment concluded that the bridge is no longer safe for rehabilitation.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, shared this information during a briefing with State House correspondents following the FEC meeting led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday. Umahi emphasized that the FEC allocated N5.6 billion for the design and cost evaluation of a new Carter Bridge, stating that the current structure cannot be rehabilitated.

“The stakeholders’ engagement and technical reviews showed that the Carter Bridge can no longer be rehabilitated. It has to be demolished and a completely new bridge constructed,” Umahi explained. He added that Advanced Engineering Consultants have been tasked with undertaking the full design and cost assessment before initiating the procurement process.

Other Infrastructure Approvals

In addition to the Carter Bridge project, the FEC approved the completion of the Suleja-Minna Road project. This road, previously awarded to Salini Construction Company, was terminated due to poor performance. Only about 10 kilometers had been completed before the contract was canceled. The government has now resolved to finish the remaining 71-kilometer dual carriageway.

One carriageway has been awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) at a cost of N91 billion, while the second carriageway has received clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). President Tinubu directed that the road be constructed with reinforced concrete to enhance durability.

Kano-Kongolam Road Project

The FEC also approved the review and rescoping of the Kano-Kongolam Road, a tax credit project awarded in 2022. The 132-kilometer project, spanning Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states, has been redesigned as a three-lane concrete carriageway with solar-powered streetlights and CCTV installations. The revised cost stands at N334 billion.

Abuja-Lokoja Road Reconstruction

Another major project approved by the FEC is the reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja Road. The affected 86-kilometer section will be rebuilt with reinforced concrete by five contractors, including Julius Berger, at a cost of N146 billion.

Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Dual Carriageway

Similarly, the FEC approved the reconstruction of the 103-kilometer Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa dual carriageway at a cost of N427 billion. This project aims to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the region.

Keffi-Nasarawa-Abaji Road Rehabilitation

Approval was also granted for Phase Two of the Keffi-Nasarawa-Abaji Road rehabilitation, covering 129.3 kilometers at a cost of N203 billion. This phase aims to improve connectivity between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.

Summary of Key Projects

Here is a summary of the major infrastructure projects approved by the FEC:

• Carter Bridge: Demolition and reconstruction with a budget of N5.6 billion.
• Suleja-Minna Road: Completion of the remaining 71 kilometers with two carriageways awarded to different contractors.
• Kano-Kongolam Road: Redesign as a three-lane concrete carriageway with additional features at a cost of N334 billion.
• Abuja-Lokoja Road: Reconstruction with reinforced concrete at a cost of N146 billion.
• Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Dual Carriageway: Reconstruction at a cost of N427 billion.
• Keffi-Nasarawa-Abaji Road: Phase Two rehabilitation at a cost of N203 billion.

These projects highlight the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across the country. With the necessary approvals and funding in place, these initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to economic growth and development.